Minimize Jet Lag. It is often difficult to adjust to a new time zone while traveling, but the transition can be easier with a little prep work. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends the following: make sure you are well rested before leaving, avoid consuming alcohol, eat healthy well-balanced meals, avoid overeating, get regular…

Pain and Grip Strength Can Affect Independence. Researchers questioned 264 Japanese women (age > 40 years) and found that those with back pain, knee pain, or reduced grip strength were more likely to experienced difficulties with their normal activities of daily living (ADL). This finding underscores the importance of both staying fit as one ages,…

Possible Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Breast Cancer. German researchers compared the vitamin D levels and mammographic findings of 1,103 women and found that women with malignant results were more likely to have deficient vitamin D levels than those with negative results. Though more research is necessary, this finding suggests vitamin D deficiency may…

Do You Have Summer Allergies? You may think you have a summer cold, but summer allergies may actually be to blame. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology lists the following warning signs of allergies: dark circles below the eyes, swollen adenoids that cause the face to look tired and droopy, a nasal crease…

Women Should Not Neglect Their Health. Being a wife and/or mother can be demanding, but women need to make sure to take care of their own health as well. Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest the following: seeing your doctor for regular check-ups, getting plenty of exercise, eating nutritious foods, staying…

Drink Fewer Sugary Soft Drinks. Consuming more than five sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages on a weekly basis may increase an individual’s risk for a heart attack. Researchers measured the coronary artery calcium levels of over 22,000 men and found those who consumed more than five sugary soft drinks per week were 70% more likely to have…

Too Much, Too Little Sleep Can Shorten Your Life. An analysis of 40 published studies that included over 2.2 million participants indicates that both too little and too much sleep per night may increase one’s risk for an early death. Compared with those who slept an average of seven hours per night, participants who slept…

Breath Test Could Help Diagnosis IBS. Currently, there is no specific diagnostic test for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but researchers now claim they have discovered a combination of 16 different substances in the breath that can accurately identify individuals with IBS when measured together. Senior author Dr. Frederik-Jan van Schooten notes, “Now we know which…

 Avoid Multitasking When Driving. The National Safety Council warns that talking on your phone or attempting to perform other tasks while driving can slow your response time and increase your risk for getting into a collision. They add that talking to someone in the car is different than talking to someone on the phone as…

Live Longer By Staying Lean. Two new studies indicate that staying trim throughout your life may increase your longevity, while being obese may do the opposite. The first study found that slim individuals had the lowest risk of dying over a 15-year period, while obese men and women had a greatest risk of early death.…